Australian communications manufacturer GME is placing workforce development at the centre of its growth strategy as the country continues to grapple with record-low unemployment and widespread skills shortages.
With competition for talent affecting industries nationwide, GME has sought to strengthen its training programs, partnerships, and investment in sovereign manufacturing capability to secure its future workforce.
In an exclusive interview with Australian Manufacturing, GME Group Marketing Manager Tony Crooke said the company, like many others, has felt the effects of a highly competitive labour market. “With Australia continuing to experience record-low unemployment levels, we have faced ongoing challenges in attracting and retaining skilled workers to support the growth of our business,” Crooke said.
He explained that GME has been able to overcome many of these challenges by prioritising flexibility and professional development.
“We’ve overcome these challenges by continuing to offer flexible hybrid working arrangements, significant opportunities for company-funded training and development, and as a result, we have remarkably low employee churn and minimal vacant roles,” Crooke said.
Crooke highlighted GME’s in-house training as a cornerstone of its workforce strategy. He said the company runs consistent programs that encourage knowledge transfer from experienced employees to newer recruits, supplemented by external expertise.
“This is supported by frequent input from third-party accredited training providers, ensuring our employees remain at the cutting edge of new technologies and process methodologies,” he explained.
Partnerships with education providers have also been critical. Crooke noted that GME works closely with the University of New South Wales through scholarship programs and internships, aimed at attracting young and emerging talent.
“Many of our scholarship recipients have gone on to build their careers within GME, progressing into more senior roles with greater responsibilities and making a significant contribution to GME’s success, growth, and profitability,” he said.
Government programs have provided additional support for the company’s ambitions. Crooke pointed to the Federal Government’s Future Made in Australia agenda, launched earlier this year at GME’s headquarters, as an example of how policy can help strengthen local manufacturing.
“Programs such as the Federal Government’s ‘Future Made in Australia’ agenda play a vital role in supporting GME’s ongoing ability to grow sovereign manufacturing capability and Australian jobs,” he said.
Looking ahead, Crooke said GME’s vision is to continue expanding both revenue and workforce capability while maintaining a focus on sovereign manufacturing.
“Our vision is to continue growing our business from both a revenue and capability perspective, providing high-quality communication equipment to recreational consumers as well as commercial customers, including Defence and Government,” he said.
“We’ll achieve this through our focus on sovereign manufacturing and sustained investment in developing local talent across Engineering, Manufacturing, Sales & Marketing, and Operations.”
For more information, visit the company’s website.
